USDA issues disaster declaration for North Alabama counties

Source: MGN Online

MADISON COUNTY, AL (WAFF) -

Several North Alabama counties, including Madison, Limestone, Morgan, Jackson, DeKalb, Marshall, Colbert, Lauderdale and Lawrence counties are among 50 to be named in a disaster declaration by the United States Department of Agriculture. The declaration was announced Wednesday and cites excessive rain and flooding since the beginning of the year.

This has been one of the rainiest years on record and so many farmers experienced significant losses," said Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries John McMillan. "We are encouraged that the secretary [Thomas Vilsack] honored our request and is now offering necessary assistance."

Assistance is available to farmers in each of the affected counties and will include access to FSA emergency loans. Those farmers affected have eight months to apply for emergency loans.